Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Coming to Sacramento

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Assemblymember Frazier to Host Four-Day Event to Remember and Honor the Service, Efforts and Sacrifices of Our Nation’s Vietnam Veterans

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) is proud to announce The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., will be on display at California’s State Capitol in Sacramento from Thursday, February 27, 2014 to Sunday, March 2, 2014.

“On designated holidays, our nation pauses to remember those who gave their lives in service with ceremonies and parades, but that honor and respect must extend further,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “One way to honor the fallen and reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in Vietnam is to visit The Wall That Heals. It is my honor and privilege to host this event in Sacramento and to share it with the community.”

The Wall That Heals has visited more than 350 cities and towns throughout the U.S. and has also visited Canada and Ireland. It is approximately 250 feet in length, 8 feet in height, and has more than 58,000 names inscribed. The exhibition includes an accompanying mobile museum with information cases that display photos of service members whose names are found on The Wall, along with letters and memorabilia left at The Wall in D.C. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, all of which are designed to put the American experience of the Vietnam War into historical and cultural context.

Bringing The Wall That Heals to communities throughout the country allows the individuals enshrined on The Wall to be honored and remembered by family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings. The traveling exhibit allows the many thousands of veterans who may have been unable to cope with the prospect of facing The Wall to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.

“The Wall That Heals transcends the Vietnam War to help our great nation renew its relationship with veterans of all wars,” said Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. “It helps veterans from all of America’s conflicts to find healing and a powerful connection through their common military experiences.”

Millions of Americans answered the national call for service in Vietnam, just as they are today in operations worldwide. Among veterans, a common thread of service bonds them no matter their era of service, branch or rank. Military families also feel camaraderie of mutual sacrifice. Not only does The Wall That Heals offer all veterans and their families an opportunity to remember and honor their service and sacrifice, it also allows those who may not have a direct connection to the military the opportunity to do the same.

Californians young and old are invited to share in this unique experience, and admission to the exhibit is free. For more information, please contact Assemblymember Frazier’s Capitol Office at 916-319-2011.